Saudi Arabia views Houthi initiative ‘positively’

“The truce announced from Yemen is positively perceived by the kingdom, for this is what it has always sought, and it hopes that it will be implemented effectively, as was stressed upon by the crown prince,”Â Khalid bin Salman wrote on Twitter.Â Â

The minister called for Yemenis to unite, with the kingdomâ€™s support, against Iranâ€™s â€œproject of chaos and seditionâ€�.

Khalid bin Salman also said Iran is exploiting Yemen to serve its own interests, and brushed off Tehranâ€™s calls for de-escalation as part of the Islamic Republicâ€™s â€œdisinformation campaignâ€�.

â€œOn the one hand, Iran blames Yemenis to evade responsibility for its terrorist acts. On the other hand, [Iran] underestimates the value of Yemenis by speaking on their behalf, saying that they are seeking de-escalation in Yemen,â€� he wrote.

On 20 September, the Houthis vowed to halt cross-border attacks if the Saudi-led coalition stopped its military operations in Yemen.

Russia strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will strengthen theÂ partnership between the two countries andÂ take it to a new level,Â Russian Foreign Minister Sergei LavrovÂ told Saudi paperÂ Asharq al-AwsatÂ in an interview.

Lavrov said relations between Moscow and Riyadh are based on “friendship and diversity inÂ bilateral interests, as well as the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration for the interests of both sides.”

“Both President Putin and King Salman bin Abdulaziz have personally seen to this approach,”Â he said, adding thatÂ “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a significant contribution to this effort.”

Lavrov also welcomed last week’s formation of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, saying that progress on the political path in Syria’s conflict will bring up the issue of “the necessity of Syria’s return to the Arab family”.

“This issue hugely depends on Saudi Arabia’s position, for it is influential inÂ the region and beyond,” he said.

Syria was kicked out of the Arab League in 2011 after the brutal crackdown by President Bashar al-Assad’s forcesÂ on mass protests against his rule.Â

Lavrov’s statement indicates that Moscow might press Riyadh to agree to allow Syria back in the Arab LeagueÂ and push the Arabs to normalise relations with the Syrian government.

Saudi Arabia views Houthi initiative ‘positively’

“The truce announced from Yemen is positively perceived by the kingdom, for this is what it has always sought, and it hopes that it will be implemented effectively, as was stressed upon by the crown prince,”Â Khalid bin Salman wrote on Twitter.Â Â

The minister called for Yemenis to unite, with the kingdomâ€™s support, against Iranâ€™s â€œproject of chaos and seditionâ€�.

Khalid bin Salman also said Iran is exploiting Yemen to serve its own interests, and brushed off Tehranâ€™s calls for de-escalation as part of the Islamic Republicâ€™s â€œdisinformation campaignâ€�.

â€œOn the one hand, Iran blames Yemenis to evade responsibility for its terrorist acts. On the other hand, [Iran] underestimates the value of Yemenis by speaking on their behalf, saying that they are seeking de-escalation in Yemen,â€� he wrote.

On 20 September, the Houthis vowed to halt cross-border attacks if the Saudi-led coalition stopped its military operations in Yemen.

Russia strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will strengthen theÂ partnership between the two countries andÂ take it to a new level,Â Russian Foreign Minister Sergei LavrovÂ told Saudi paperÂ Asharq al-AwsatÂ in an interview.

Lavrov said relations between Moscow and Riyadh are based on “friendship and diversity inÂ bilateral interests, as well as the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration for the interests of both sides.”

“Both President Putin and King Salman bin Abdulaziz have personally seen to this approach,”Â he said, adding thatÂ “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a significant contribution to this effort.”

Lavrov also welcomed last week’s formation of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, saying that progress on the political path in Syria’s conflict will bring up the issue of “the necessity of Syria’s return to the Arab family”.

“This issue hugely depends on Saudi Arabia’s position, for it is influential inÂ the region and beyond,” he said.

Syria was kicked out of the Arab League in 2011 after the brutal crackdown by President Bashar al-Assad’s forcesÂ on mass protests against his rule.Â

Lavrov’s statement indicates that Moscow might press Riyadh to agree to allow Syria back in the Arab LeagueÂ and push the Arabs to normalise relations with the Syrian government.